This blog was created to promote the historical importance of cemeteries, grave markers, and the family history to be learned from a study of burial customs, burying grounds, and tombstones of Central Florida.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Nice stone for a not-so-nice graveyard

Whereas yesterday found us in one of the most-manicured graveyards in Central Florida, today we hop along US17-92 in Fern Park to discover one of the more neglected cemeteries in this little corner of heaven.

Only a small white sign with green lettering explains to shoppers at the nearby Winn Dixie why there is such a large open area in the midst of an otherwise busy and crowded mix of residential and commercial buildings.

Even the most casual observer will conclude this graveyard is home to far more burials than there are gravemarkers. You can see numerous depressions in the ground.

Perhaps the best looking marker belongs to a childless married couple who were born into slavery and lived near their final resting place when the entire town was known as "Woodbridge."

The Graveyard Rabbit

by Frank Lebby Stanton

In the white moonlight, where the willow waves,He halfway gallops among the graves---A tiny ghost in the gloom and gleam,Content to dwell where the dead men dream,But wary still:For they plot him ill;For the graveyard rabbit hath a charm(May God defend us!) to shield from harm!

Over the shimmering slabs he goes---Every grave in the dark he knows;But his nest is hidden from human eyeWhere headstones broken on old graves lie.Wary still!For they plot him ill:For the graveyard rabbit, though skeptics scoff,Charmeth the witch and the wizard off!

The black man creeps, when the night is dim,Fearful, still, on the track of him;Or fleety follows the way he runs,For he heals the hurts of the conjured ones.Wary still!For they plot him ill;The soul's bewitched that would find release,To the graveyard rabbit go for peace!